Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Ruby' – Colourful Nerve Plant with Vivid Pink Veining


Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Ruby' is a vibrant cultivar of the classic nerve plant, featuring rich green leaves dramatically overlaid with ruby-pink veins. Each leaf looks hand-painted, with the contrast between the saturated veins and soft foliage creating an almost glowing effect. Compact and low-growing, it spreads in a horizontal mat, making it ideal for terrariums, shallow pots, or grouped plant displays. This variety adds a bold splash of colour to low-light corners, with a lush tropical feel packed into a miniature format.


Leaf Veining and Growth Habit of Fittonia 'Pink Ruby'



 
Leaf colour: Deep green base with intense pink to ruby-coloured veining
 
Shape: Small, oval, and slightly puckered with a velvety texture
 
Growth pattern: Creeping, mat-forming and slightly trailing over time
 
Indoor size: Typically 8–15 cm tall, spreads 20–30 cm across with time
 
Habit: Low and bushy—perfect for terrariums, desktops, or grouped foliage displays


Origin and Habitat Context of Fittonia albivenis


Fittonia albivenis originates from tropical rainforests of Peru, where it forms dense, creeping mats on the forest floor under high humidity and dappled light. Temperatures in these areas usually range from 22–27 °C, with almost constant ambient moisture and leaf litter underfoot. The cultivar 'Pink Ruby' has been selected for its unique bright veining and compact form. Indoors, it retains that lush jungle feel, provided the conditions are warm and consistent. It’s a natural fit for terrariums, high-humidity rooms, or grouped plant shelves.
Fittonia 'Pink Ruby' is completely non-toxic and safe to grow around pets and children.


How to Care for Fittonia 'Pink Ruby'



 
Light: Low to medium indirect light is ideal; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves
 
Watering: Keep evenly moist—never let it dry out completely; wilting is common but reversible
 
Humidity: Needs 60–90% to avoid crispy leaf edges—thrives in closed terrariums or cabinets
 
Temperature: 20–27 °C is ideal; sensitive to drafts or cold drops
 
Soil: Light mix with peat-free organic matter, perlite, and fine bark
 
Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when it becomes rootbound or leggy
 
Fertilising: Feed lightly every 4–6 weeks with diluted houseplant fertiliser
 
Propagation: Very easy—just snip a stem and root it in water or moist substrate
 
Hydroponics: Can adapt to semi-hydro setups if humidity is kept high
 
Pruning: Trim regularly to prevent legginess and encourage dense growth


Common Issues with Fittonia 'Pink Ruby'



 
Sudden wilting: Common sign of dryness—water thoroughly and it usually perks up fast
 
Leaf tip browning: Caused by dry air or inconsistent watering—boost humidity and adjust routine
 
Yellowing leaves: Typically from overwatering or poor drainage
 
Fungus gnats: Keep top layer slightly drier and improve substrate aeration
 
Spider mites or aphids: Rare, but may appear if air is too dry—wipe and treat early


Extra Growing Notes for Fittonia 'Pink Ruby'


This plant thrives when treated like a rainforest understory plant: stable humidity, filtered light, and consistently moist soil. Fittonia 'Pink Ruby' also enjoys tight containers and shallow root space, making it ideal for terrarium setups or clustered indoor arrangements. Regular pinching keeps it bushy and full. Mimicking its jungle habitat—warmth, dampness, and shade—is the key to keeping those dramatic veins looking fresh and vivid.


Etymology and Botanical Details of Fittonia albivenis


Fittonia is named after Elizabeth and Sarah Mary Fitton, 19th-century botanists and authors. The species name albivenis comes from Latin for “white veins,” although this cultivar displays pink instead. The name 'Pink Ruby' reflects its gem-like colour and vivid contrast against the leaf background.


FAQs about Fittonia 'Pink Ruby'



 
Can it recover from wilting?

 Yes—if not completely dried out, it usually revives within hours of watering.
 
Can it live in a closed terrarium?

 Absolutely—it thrives in terrariums thanks to its love of humidity and low light.
 
Does it bloom indoors?

 Rarely, and the flowers are small and insignificant—grown mainly for its colourful foliage.


Buy Fittonia 'Pink Ruby' Now


Colourful, compact, and humidity-loving—Fittonia albivenis 'Pink Ruby' adds a vivid tropical accent to terrariums and shaded shelves. Order now and enjoy bold colour in a low-growing, easy-care package.